Multipoint recorders

ABSTRACT

An improved multipoint print mechanism for a recorder capable of recording as a function of time the changes in magnitude of a number of different variable quantities, such as temperature, pressure, voltage, or the like at various points of a system or process. The improved print mechanism for obtaining such records is characterized by a print carriage having a type belt, or in a preferred modification a pair of separately operable type belts driven by a common drive wheel and having loops carried on guide wheels mounted on individually controlled print arms. One type belt, or a type wheel, prints marks indicating the value of a measured quantity. The other type belt or wheel prints identification symbols for the marks. Depending upon the mode or operation of the print mechanism, as selected by an operator, records of known type may be produced, i.e., records comprised of a series of marks with no identification symbols or a series of marks with an occasional identifying symbol or a series of marks each accompanied by an identifying symbol.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Edgar Gentle Gibby Wyndmoor, Pa. [211 App]. No. 11,460 [22] Filed Feb. 16, 1970 [45] Patented Oct. 5, 1971 [73] Assignee Leeds & Northrup Company North Wales, Pa.

[54] MULTIPOINT RECORDERS l 1 Claims, 21 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 346/61, 346/141, 197/55, 101/111 [51] Int. Cl Gold 9/34 [50] Field of Search 346/34, 50. 61,94, 141; 197/55; 101/111 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,148,014 9/1964 King etal 346/34X 3,189,910 6/1965 Blakeslee 346/34 X 3,408,930 11/1968 Chamness et al 197/55 X Primary Examiner-J0seph W. Hartary Anorneywoodcock, Washburn, Kurtz & Mackiewicz ABSTRACT: An improved multipoint print mechanism for a recorder capable of recording as a function of time the changes in magnitude of a number of different variable quantities, such as temperature, pressure, voltage, or the like at various points of a system or process. The improved print mechanism for obtaining such records is characterized by a print carriage having a type belt, or in a preferred modification a pair of separately operable type belts driven by a common drive wheel and having loops carried on guide wheels mounted on individually controlled print arms. One type belt, or a type wheel, prints marks indicating the value of a measured quantity. The other type belt or wheel prints identification symbols for the marks. Depending upon the mode or operation of the print mechanism, as selected by an operator, records of known type may be produced, i.e., records com prised of a series of marks with no identification symbols or a series of marks with an occasional identifying symbol or a series of marks each accompanied by an identifying symbol.

PATENTEUUBT 5197! 3,611,412

If) 1, c0

PATENTED mm 5197! SHEET 2 [IF 7 PATENTED mm 5197;

SHEET 3 OF 7 VIII 1 7 III PATENTEDUBT 515m 351 1 412 sum 5 0F 7 PATENTED BET 5197| SHEET 8 BF 7 MULTIPOINT RECORDERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the invention Applicant's invention is for an improved print mechanism for a multipoint recorder of the type generally classified in the United States Patent Office with Recorders, Plural-Function Recorder, Distinguishable Recordings, Plural Markers and Single Record Receiver or similar apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art:

Strip chart multipoint recorders including record-distinguishing means of the print wheel type have been in use in the industry for many years. During the last or so years it has become increasingly popular for manufacturers to provide printing mechanisms for multipoint recorders offering three selected modes of operation. Such mechanism will provide records comprised of different colored dots indicative of the value of each measured quantity, or the mechanism may be selectively adjusted to provide records comprised of dots and an occasional record-identifying number beside a dot thereby to identify curves formed by series of dots from different input devices or by means of another adjustment to the mechanism curves will be produced wherein each and every dot is accompanied by a number which identifies the record. Additionally, the latter two types of records may also be further identified utilizing different-colored inks for the various record traces.

German Pat. 1,01 1,631 discloses mechanism capable of providing records of the type described above. This mechanism employs one or two printing devices which revolve about an axis which is disposed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the chart-driven roll. In some modifications of this apparatus type elements forming dotlike marks on a chart each indicative of the value of a measured input are supported in a manner to slide in and out alongside of type elements for providing point" identifications. In other modifications disclosed in this German patent, separate marking wheels are disposed concentrically with one wheel movable along the rotational axis of both wheels. With the wheels displaced along the axis, only dots will be printed. With the wheels brought into the same printing plane, a printing motion of the assembly produces both a dot" and a number."

Another mechanism for obtaining the different record formats described above is that disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,195,141 and 3,317,913 wherein a tipping type wheel is employed. The type wheels disclosed in these patents include one or two rows of numbers disposed about the periphery thereof and a row of dots indicative of the measured value points. The print wheel is tipped about an axis disposed at a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of a chart drive roll in a manner such that the wheel prints dots only, dots accompanied by an occasional number, or dots with a number each and every time.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,409,898 discloses still another arrangement for obtaining records of the type above described. This patent employs a print wheel having a row of dot-printing types disposed around the periphery thereof and a type element bearing an Arabic number disposed alongside of every other dot-printing element, the numbered type elements being sequentially numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., for as many points as the recorder is to accommodate. 1n operation a planetary gear mechanism is employed such that the angular position of the type wheel about its axis of rotation can be adjusted by a half space or 1% spaces to change from printing dots to printing a dot accompanied by a number.

While each of the foregoing mechanisms produce records of the desired format, each in turn leaves something to be desired. Initially, such devices were very massive and heavy as well as being very complex. lnking problems arose as a result of ink gumming up parts meant to slide relative to each other so that proper sliding action did not occur. In some modifications the type for printing points or dots indicating the value of the measured quantity and the type for printing point identifications did not print equally well due to the fact that the same print motion was applied over different type areas in the dot with occasional number mode. In some of the modifications, particularly when it was desired to produce a record for as many as 24 different quantities, the type wheels were undesirably large in diameter.

Applicant has found that these prior art problems may be overcome by providing a flexible type belt mounted in a manner which permits the use of a large number of identification symbols without the use of excessively large type wheels and/or by the provision of separate print means, one for marks and one for identifying symbols and separate actuating means for each so that one does not interfere with the other and both can be made to print with equal clarity at all times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of applicant's invention there is provided a print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having structure supporting a chart and a multipoint print mechanism having a print carriage disposed for relative movement with the chart along a plurality of coordinates. The print mechanism is characterized by a print carriage which supports a belt drive wheel for rotation about a fixed axis disposed parallel to a record-receiving surface of the recorder chart. The print carriage additionally supports an elongated print arm near one of its ends for rotation about the axis of rotation of the belt drive wheel. There is a belt guide wheel supported near the other end of the print arm for rotation about an axis disposed substantially parallel to he axis of the belt drive wheel. A flexible print belt having type elements is looped over the drive and guide wheels. The print arm is movable through an arcuate path when it rotates about the belt drive wheel axis thus providing for movement of the guide wheel end of the print belt toward and away from a record receiving area of the chart. Means are provided simultaneously to drive the belt drive wheel thereby to move the print belt to bring different type elements one after another to a printing location above the chart and intermittently to move the print arm arcuately in timed relation with movement of the print belt to effect printing engagement between the chart and type elements one after another.

It is also an object of applicant's invention to provide a novel print mechanism for a multipoint recorder wherein a desired printing mode may be selected such that measured values sensed by condition-responsive devices may be recorded on a chart as a series of marks without any identification symbols or a series of marks occasionally accompanied by an identification symbol or as a series of marks each of which is accompanied by an identification symbol. The print mechanism is characterized by a print carriage supporting a pair of elongated parallel print arms pivoted about an axis parallel to the record-receiving area of the chart for independent movement of the outer ends of the arms toward and away from the chart. A first of one of the arms at its outer end includes an element rotatable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the arms and supports a plurality of mark-producing means. The second arm at a corresponding outer end thereof includes an element rotatable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of the anns and supports a plurality of identification symbol-producing means. Drive means moves the mark and symbol-producing means together to bring pairs of mark and symbol-producing means one after another to a printing position in the region of the chart beneath the outer ends of the arms. In timed relation with movement of the mark and symbol-producing means the drive means periodically tends simultaneously to move the print arms to initiate a printing en gagement of both the mark and symbol-producing means with the chart, however, stop means movable into and out of arm arresting relation with the second arm in a manner dependent upon the printing mode which has been selected detennines whether a mark which is produced on said chart upon completion of printing engagement of the mark producing means is or is not accompanied by an identification symbol. Preferably a mechanism of this type may utilize a pair of flexible print belts having type elements affixed to or a part of the outer sides thereof with ends of the belts looped over the rotatable elements of the arms and a common driving wheel driven by the drive means. Alternatively. the mechanism may utilize type wheels as the rotatable elements at the outer ends of the arms. These may be driven from the drive means by a train of spur gears or a sprocket chain.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a frame which supports a chart and a pair of guide shafts for guiding a print' carriage of the print mechanism for movement relative to the chart. The print carriage is comprised of a pair of sideplates. The plates are secured in spaced relation with an elongated bearing member and a guide block therebetween providing for sliding of the carriage along the pair of shafts. A pair of elongated radially extended print arms each supporting an idler wheel at one end are journaled at their other ends for rotation about the bearing member with a drive wheel and a driven wheel combination journaled on the bearing and independently rotatable between them. A first flexible type belt having a series of outwardly projecting mark-producing means uniformly spaced along the length thereof is looped over one of the idler wheels and the drive wheel and a second flexible type belt having a series of outwardly projecting symbol producing means spaced along the length thereof is looped over the other idler wheel and the drive wheel. Means are provided to support the print arms in a manner for their idler-supporting ends to move toward and away from a record-receiving area of the chart and means are provided effecting a drive connection to the driven wheel to effect movement of the type belts by the drive wheel to bring different pairs of mark and symbol-producing means into position over the record-receiving area of the chart and intermittently move the print arms to initiate printing motions thereof.

It is further an object of the invention to support the print arms of such a print mechanism using pin and spring means to bias the print arms into alignment with lateral extensions of the sideplates which extend over a record-receiving area of the chart and provide a camshaft supported for rotation between the side plates of the print carriage and having a drive connection with a driven wheel so that type belts are driven in synchronism with the camshaft. First and second similar DRAWINGS cams are carried by the camshaft. The first cam cooperates with one print arm and the second cam cooperates with the other print arm in a manner such that the cams periodically raise the print arms in timed relation with movement of the type belts until dropped by the cams. Each of the print arms has a portion adapted to cooperate with stop means capable of arresting a complete drop of one or both arms to prevent a printing operation by the type belt supported on an arm which engages the stop means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For an understanding of applicant's invention, the following specification and claims should be read while referring to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view with many parts omitted showing the relationship of the parts in a preferred modification of applicant's printing mechanism and parts which cooperate therewith in a strip chart recorder,

FIG. IA is a fractional side elevation showing parts at the right-hand end of shaft of FIG. 1,

FIG. 2 is an exploded view on an enlarged scale showing the relationship of the individual parts of a printing assembly of the type indicated in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a top plan view on an enlarged scale with parts broken away showing details of the printing assembly of FIG. 2, and including a sprocket mounting modification,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 3 which shows the relationship of parts at the ends of the print arms of applicant's mechanism,

FIG. 5 is a side elevation on an enlarged scale of the printing assembly of FIG. 2,

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the printing assembly including the modification in FIG. 3 taken along the lines C-C of FIG. 5,

FIGS. 7-10 are partial side elevations somewhat diagrammatic to illustrate the relationship of parts during an actual printing operation,

FIG. 11A is a plan view on an enlarged scale of a type belt for printing dots,"

FIG. 1 1B is a side elevation of the belt of FIG. 1 1A,

FIGS. 1 1C, 1 1D, and 1 1E are further enlarged views of portions of the type belt of FIG. I 1A,

FIG. 12A is a plan view on an enlarged scale of a type belt for printing numbers,

FIG. 12B is a side elevation of the belt of FIG. IZA, and

FIGS. 12C, 12D, and 12E are further enlarged views of portions of the type belt of FIG. 12A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 there is illustrated the manner in which parts of a print mechanism, in accordance with applicant's invention, will be associated with a recorder of known type. While any one of many commercially available recorders may be modified in a manner to incorporate applicants invention, it will be found that recorders of the type disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,195,141 R. N. Brown et al., and 3,3l7,9l3 A. E. Paschkis, both of which are assigned to applicant's assignee. will be found most easily modified in a manner to practice my invention. In the various figures of the drawings the same reference numerals will be used throughout with the addition of a prime to some details slightly different in configuration which serve the same functions.

In FIG. 1 there are shown parts of a strip chart recorder 30 wherein a dashed line 75 indicates a suitable frame structure for mounting parts in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, hence no specific frame structure is shown. The frame structure 75 supports a chart drive roll 7I having an adjustment knob 72 and guide means to guide a print carriage 40 for movement back and forth across a chart 29 which is driven by the chart drive roll in any suitable manner. A guide rod 27 journaled in the frame 15 provides a portion of the guide means and a pinion shaft 26 provides another portion of the guide means. This pinion shaft also serves as a driving means for the print mechanisms. The print carriage 40 is adapted to be moved back and forth across the chart 29 by means of a cable 28 which is actuated by a servomechanism in a manner which is customary in strip chart recorders, hence neither measuring circuit or servomechanism are shown since they form no part of the present invention. The print carriage 40 includes a pair of sideplates 4L and 4R secured together in a manner later to be described to support various parts of the print mechanism. Also supported form the sideplates is an index 31 which has pointer structures cooperating with both the chart and a scale (not shown). The printing carriage 40 includes a pair of type belts 19,20 and an ink wheel 41 driven by the pinion shaft 26, the details of mounting and operation of which will hereinafter be discussed in greater detail with reference to other figures of the drawings.

As mentioned above, the print mechanism is suitable for three modes of operation. Adjustment may be made to print dots only, dots with an occasional number as shown in FIG. 1. or dots with numbers every time. In order to select the different modes of printing there is a shaft 38 journaled for rotation in the frame members 75 adjacent and parallel to the pinion shaft 26. Shaft 38 supports in slidable and rotatable engagement therewith a print holdout bar 32. This print holdout bar is adapted to be moved into various positions as follows: if moved lengthwise to the left to the position shown in FIG. 1. so that a holdout bar lever 32d at the left end of bar 32 is engaged with a stop screw 34, the print mechanism is controlled in a manner so that it will print dots only for indicating the values of measured quantities. This will be its mode of operation regardless of the relative positions of levers 32b and 37 at the right end of bar 32. When the print holdout bar is moved lengthwise to the right in a manner such that lever 32d is clear of the stop screw 34, then its rotational position during cycles of operation of the print mechanism will be determined by the setting of a holdout bar adjustment lever 32b (at the right end of bar 32) relative to a print selection lever 37. As may be seen by inspection of the drawings, the set relation between the lever 32b and the lever 37 is maintained by means of an elongated looped spring 32c. When the print holdout bar 32 is moved bodily to the right so that lever 32d at the left end of the bar is clear of the stop screw 34 the levers 32b and 37 will remain in the position shown, that is to say, with the spring 320 in the right-hand notch of lever 37. With this setting of the parts the print mechanism will print a series of dots accompanied by an occasional number as illustrated in FIG. 1. With the print holdout bar 32 moved bodily to the right as just described and the lever 32b moved so that the spring 320 rests in the left-hand notch of the lever 37, the print mechanism will print a dot accompanied by a number on each actuation of the print mechanism. It is additionally possible by exerting a downward pull on a rod 36 attached to the lever 32d, either manually or by means of a solenoid (not shown), to rotate the print holdout bar to an extreme clockwise position with the lever 32d against pin 35a to prevent printing altogether. A suitable solenoid actuator for this latter operation is clearly disclosed in the above-mentioned US. Pat. No. 3,195,141, hence a description thereof need not be repeated here since it per se is not part of applicant's invention.

Still referring to FIG. 1 it will be noted that the pinion shaft 26, along which the print carriage 40 is slideable, is similar to that shown in the aforementioned Brown et al. and Paschkis patents. This shaft may be driven by a constant-speed motor not shown. There is included a driving connection between the pinion shaft 26 and gears, later to be described, mounted on the print carriage 40 to advance the print belts l9 and in timed relation with operation of a multipoint switch (not shown). Such a switch which connects one condition-sensing device after another to a measuring system is well known to those skilled in the art and is fully disclosed in the referenced patents. In this application such a switch is driven by an output gear 64 through a train of gears 61,62,63, and 64 driven by a pinion gear 66 afiixed to pinion shaft 26 by a screw 26a. In order to simplify the disclosure it is believed needless to describe such switching mechanism and measuring system in this application since again these things are well known to those skilled in the art.

The pinion shaft 26 additionally drives a point indicator wheel 85 the pertinent number of which is viewed through a window 86a in a bracket 86 mounted adjacent the indicator wheel. The number shows which condition-responsive or sensing element connected to the recorder 30 is being recorded during the time the number is displayed. The indicator wheel 85 is moved in synchronism with the type belts 19 and 20 and the output gear 64 by means of a train of gears mounted on the inside of the recorder frame 75. The train is comprised of gear 81 which meshes with pinion 26, a mutilated gear 82 carried by the gear 81, an idler gear 83, and a gear 84 which drives the indicator wheel 85.

In FIG. 1 there is also shown a means for tipping the print holdout bar 32 from an active to an inactive position when the print holdout bar is in a position to the right with the lever 32d disengaged from the stop screw 34. It may be noted that as mentioned above the print holdout bar is supported by a rod or shaft 38 journaled for rotation in frame 75. Secured to rod 38 near its right-hand end at a position inside the frame 75, to the left of gear 61 which is on the outside of frame 75, is hub 37a of lever 37. A cam follower 39 is pinned to the right end of the shaft 38 and is positioned in following relation with a cam 65 supported on the face of gear 63. When the cam follower 39 is riding on the periphery of cam 65 and the spring 32c of lever 32b is in the right-hand notch of lever 57, the print holdout bar is held in the position shown until the cam follower 39 enters the recess 650 thus to rotate rod'38 and lever 37 counterclockwise and by way of the spring 320, rotate 32b and 32 counterclockwise to an inactive position as a result of the pull exerted by a spring 35 on the lever 32d. At the left-hand end of the print holdout bar 32 there are indicated both the counterclockwise and clockwise dotted line positions for the operating web 32a of the holdout bar 32. Rotation of the gear 63 and the cam 65 is effected in timed relation with other parts of the print mechanism through gear 66, fastened to the pinion shaft 26 by screw 26a, and the gears 61 and 62 which rotate as a unit the latter of which meshes with gear 63. As mentioned above and in a manner to be described in greater detail with respect to other FIGS. of the drawings, movement of the web portion 32a as a result of rotation of the print holdout bar 32 governs the printing mode of the recorder.

Referring to FIG. 2, which is an exploded view showing all of the parts of the print carriage 40, it will be seen that the sideplates 4L and 4R support various parts of the print mechanism. The longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft 26 is an axis about which several of the parts rotate. Next to the plate 4L it may be noted that there is a bushing 12h. This bushing 12h is soldered or otherwise secured in a print arm 12 to fonn a hearing when the arm is mounted for rotation about the axis of the shaft 26. The print am 12 has a rearwardly projecting tip or tail 12b which is adapted to cooperate with the web portion 32a of the print holdout bar 32 shown in FIG. I. The arm 12 has a downwardly extending bent-under portion which forms a cam follower 12a. At the front end of the am 12 there is mounted a pivot shaft 16, one end of which has an enlarged head and the other end of which is of lesser diameter and is threaded. The shaft supports a freely rotatable sprocket wheel 15. This shaft and sprocket are secured to the arm 12 by means of a capnut 14 having a pinlike extension to form an assembly which is mounted on a sleeve bearing 5 having an end of reduced diameter which is a push fit in the large hole of the plate 4L.

Still referring to FIG. 2, it may be noted that there is pin 3 which has a hexagonal portion and a threaded end which is screwed into the sideplate 4L. A hinge pin 2 supporting a forked spring 1 is likewise screwed into the sideplate with the legs of the forked spring in a position to straddle the pin 3 in the sideplate and the pinlike portion of the capnut 14 of print arm 12 as more clearly shown in FIGS. 5 and 7--l0.

In FIG. 2 are shown parts 13, 13/1, l7, 18, 33, and a second capnut 14 with a pinlike extension adjacent the plate 4R. Except for the length of the tail 13b and the inclusion of a shoulder on the sprocket wheel 18 and a spring 33 the resultant assembly is the same as arm 12 with its parts. This print arm assembly is mounted at the right end of the sleeve bearing 5. The plate 4R like plate 4L has a forked spring 1 carried by a hinge pin 2 and a pin 3 mounted thereon which cooperate with the pinlike portion of the capnut 14 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7l0 when the sideplate 4R is mounted on the right end of the sleeve bearing.

Between the print arm assemblies the sleeve bearing 5 supports a freely rotatable sprocket drive wheel assembly. This assembly comprises a hub 7 having a central nut portion with,

threaded ends of lesser cross section. An internally threaded sprocket drive wheel 6 having a double row of sprocket teeth is screwed onto the left-hand end of the hub, as viewed in F IG, 2. The right-hand end receives a spur gear 8, a keyed washer 9 and a jamnut 10 which secures the gear against rotation after proper adjustment thereof. The left-hand side of the sprocket drive wheel carries one end loop of a print belt 19, the other end loop of which is carried by the idler sprocket l5 and the right-hand side of the sprocket drive wheel carries one end loop of a print belt 20 the other end loop of which is looped over the idler sprocket 18.

The sideplates 4L and 4R have vertical extensions which support a camshaft 24 having a pinion gear portion 24a, knurled surface portions 24b and 24c, on which are mounted triangular cams 23, and a shoulder 24c, Since the triangular cams are secured to the shaft 24, by the knurled surface portions they rotate when the shaft is rotated. The shaft 24 is journaled for rotation between the sideplates as indicated in FIG. 2. The end of the shaft 24 which extends through and beyond sideplate 4L has a flat end portion 24d onto which is mounted a gear 22 which is secured in place by a nut 24f.

A T" shaped block 25 has a slotted portion 25a which is a slide fit on the rod 27. The end faces of the horizontal portion of the T" include elongated projections which are adapted to fit snugly in elongated slots in the lower end of the sideplates 4L and 4R. Each has a tapped hole by means of which the sideplates may be secured to the block 25 by means of screws 21 which with the ends of the sleeve bearing 5, with parts mounted thereon, pushed into the holes of the sideplates hold the print assembly 40 together. The T" shaped block additionally includes a slot 25b in the rear portion of the vertical leg which is adapted to receive the drive cable 28 to which the sides of the slot are clamped by means of a screw 25c.

The sideplate 4R, of FIG. 2 has an upward extending portion which supports an ink pad wheel assembly. The ink pad wheel assembly is comprised of a shaft 48 which is secured to a bracket 52 as by a riveting. The bracket 52 has armlike extensions 526 by means of which it is supported on similarly extending anns 50c of a bracket 50. The arm portions of the brackets 50 and 52 each have a hole to receive pivot pins 49. This construction permits a gear 44 continually to mesh with gear 8 yet allows bracket 52 to be tilted when bracket 50 is secured to plate 4R. The bracket 52 is slid into position with its arms extending between and in alignment with the arms of the support bracket 50 and the pivots 49 riveted in place. The bracket 52 additionally has a pair of downwardly extending hook portions 520 and the bracket 50 has a pair of upwardly extending hook portions 50a. With the brackets pinned in position, tension springs I are fastened to the hooked portions 52a and 50a thus to bias the shaft 48 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. An ink pad wheel 41 is supported by a sleeve bearing 43 which is freely rotatable about the shaft 48 when assembled with respect thereto. Sleeve bearing 43 on its left-hand end includes a friction ring 42 which holds the ink pad 41 in place on the sleeve yet permits easy removal thereof. The sleeve bearing 43 has a slotted nut portion 430 to receive a locating pin 41a of the ink pad wheel 41 so that after all parts of the print mechanism have been adjusted a used ink pad wheel may be removed and a new ink pad wheel installed without disturbing the alignment between different-colored ink pads and type elements on the type belts I9 and which cooperate with the ink pads. The sleeve bearing 43 is threaded on its right end. A gear 44 is slid into abutting engagement with the nut portion of the sleeve bearing 43 and secured against rotation with respect to the sleeve by means of a jamnut 45. The parts are assembled on the shaft 48 as follows: first a thrust washer 47 then the sleeve bearing 43, another thrust washer 54 and the parts secured in place by a snap washer 46 which fits into a groove 48a near the left end of shaft 48. Upon completion of the ink wheel assembly it is secured in place on the upstanding ear of the side plate 4R by means of a screw 53 in a manner clearly indicated in FIGS. 5 and 6. It will be noted that the bracket 52 as shown in FIG. 2 has a backwardly bent tab 52b which may be used by an operator's thumb as indicated to tip the ink pad wheel clear of the type belts as shown in FIG. 6 when it is desired to install a new ink pad.

Referring to FIG. 3 which is a plan view of the assembled print carriage 40 of FIG. 2, but in which the sprocket drive wheel 6 is mounted in a slightly different manner, the disposition of the assembled parts may be more easily understood. It will be seen that the print arms 12 and I3 are mounted with their hub portions I2]: and I31: disposed outwardly toward the sideplates 4L and 4R and each supports a print belt idler sprocket l5 and I8 in side-by-side relation in alignment with the double belt drive sprocket 6 and that the idler sprockets I5 and 18 are biased into face-to-face relationship by means of the spring 33 previously described. In FIG. 3 gear 8' serves a similar function as gear 8 in FIG. 2 but has a hub portion 8a which replaces the hub 7 of FIG. 2. The jamnut I0 locks the internally threaded sprocket 6 in place on the hub portion 8a The arms of the forked springs I straddle the pins 3 and I4, however, the print arms are capable of independent rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of pinion shaft 26 because the springs l are resilient. FIG. 4 shows the idler sprockets I5 and 28 in cross section. It may be noted therefrom that pivot shafts I6 and I7 differ slightly from those shown in FIG. 2 in that each has a threaded end and an eccentric portion 16a -and 17a and ashoulder portion 16b and 17b such that the pivot shafts may be retained in the respective print arms 12 and 13 by means of internally threaded pins 14 having hexagonal nut portions. Each of the pivot shafts includes a kerf 16c and 17c by means of which the pivot shafts may be adjusted to bring the idler sprockets I5 and 18 into proper alignment and secured by tightening the threaded pins. It may be further observed in FIG. 4 that the sprockets l5 and 18 are merely slid onto the end of their pivot shafts and maintained in abutting relation by the compression spring 33.

FIGS. 5 nd 6 are particularly useful for attaining a better understanding of the way in which the various parts of applicants print mechanism are driven. It may be observed from FIG. 6 that the sleeve bearing 5 slides on the pinion shaft 26 and that the gear teeth of the shaft are in engagement with the gear 22 which is keyed to the camshaft 24. It may be additionally observed that the pinion 240 secured to rotate with the camshaft 24 is in engagement with the spur gear 8 which has secured thereto the double drive sprocket 6 which corresponds in function to the drive sprocket 6 of FIG. 2 but is mounted in a slightly different manner than in FIG. 2 in order to facilitate adjustment thereof for synchronizing the type belts for proper printing. Rotation of the pinion shaft 26 by a timing motor, not shown, results in rotation of the spur gear 22 which turns the camshaft 24, thus rotating the cams 23 and the pinion portion 240 which drives the gear 8' which has as an integral part thereof a threaded sleeve portion 8a which revolves about the outside of sleeve bearing 5 and to which is threadedly secured the print belt drive sprocket 6 held by a jamnut 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5, it may be observed that as the belt drive sprocket 6' rotates counterclockwise the type belts I9 and 20 are continuously driven in a direction indicated by the arrow on belt 20 to bring type elements one after another into position for printing on the recorder chart 29 in synchronism with switching of the recorder from one input'to another. The position for printing is indicated by the single type element 73, all other type elements having been omitted.

Rotation of the pinion shaft 26 which causes rotation of gear 22 and camshaft 24 rotates the cams 23 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 5 in a manner such that at three times per revolution of the camshaft 24 a high point on the earns 23 will engage the cam follower surfaces 12a and 13a of the print arms 12 and 13, the latter of which hides print am 12 and its parts in FIG. 5, each time to raise the print arms 12 and 13 to initiate a printing operation for each of the belts l9 and 20. As will be more clearly understood with reference to FIGS. 7- 10, the print arms will be suddenly released when a high point of the cams 23 clears the cam followers 12a and permitting the arms rapidly to drop due to the force of gravity aided by an additional force stored in the forked springs I. Whether or not a printing action will take place will be dependent upon the position of the web portion 320 of the print holdout bar 32.

FIGS. 7--I0 illustrate diagrammatically the print motions of the print arms I2 and 13. While the arm I2 is concealed by 13 the shapes of the two arms are identical except for the fact that the tail 13b of the print arm 13 is slightly longer than the tail 12b of the print arm 12. The print arm 12 with its idler sprocket, not shown, supports the type belt I9 which in the illustrative example has 24 type elements each of which prints a mark in the form of a dot. The print arm I3 with its idler sprocket not shown supports a type belt 20 which in the illustrative example has 24 different symbol-producing type elements in the form of Arabic numbers in sequence reading from I to 24 in a clockwise direction around the belt. In setting up the print mechanism the parallel belts are aligned so that a dot on the belt 19 is adjacent one of the digits on the belt 20 such that if the belts be permitted to print simultaneously they would print a dot accompanied by a number. The gear ratio between the pinion 24a of the camshaft 24 and the gear 8 or 8' which drives the print belt-driving sprocket 6 shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 is such that the cams 23 will effect tripping of the print arms 12 and 13 once as each set of type elements comes to the print location 73 as indicated in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 7, the print arms 12 and 13 in their unactuated state are biased to a neutral position by means of the forked springs l which straddle pins 3 and 14. In FIG. 7 a high point of cam 23 is shown in the position of first engagement with the cam followers 12a and 13a. Upon further rotation of the earns 23, as shown in FIG. 8, the print arms 12 and 13 are both raised and the pins 14 move the upper arms of springs I thus to create a downward bias on each of the print arms. As shown in FIG. 9, when the earns 23 rotate a little further so as to clear the cam followers 120 and 13a, the print arms 12 and I3 are simultaneously released. As long as the web portion 320 of the print holdout bar 32 is in its extreme counterclockwise position, both of the arms 12 and 13 are permitted to move downward under the force of gravity and the additional force supplied by the energy stored in springs l to effect a printing engagement with the record receiving portion of the chart 29 to print a dot accompanied by a number. When the outer ends of the arms 12 and 13 move downward in the direction of the chart the pints I4 engage the lower legs of the forked springs 1 and stretch the springs in a manner to impart an upward-restoring force to the print arms. The springs 1 thus permit only a quick-touching engagement between the type elements of the print belts 19 and 20 and the chart prior to urging the print arms to the neutral position as shown in FIG. 10.

As will be readily understood from the above description, there has been provided on the carriage itself the actuating mechanism for the two indicia-carrying belts 19 and 20. The selector means including the control levers 32b, 32c, and 32d and the print-control web 32a of the print holdout bar 32 are supported from the recorder frame. The control levers 32b and 32d are integral with the print holdout bar 32. With the parts shown in the position in FIG. 1, the print control web 32a is in the midposition as appearing in FIGS. 1 and 7. Because the arm 32d is against stop 34, only the dots will be printed on the chart by the belt 19. The cam follower 39 is held in the position illustrated in FIG. 1 and does not descend into the notch 65a. If the control assembly including the arms 32d and 32b and the print holdout bar 32 and the web 32a be moved axially along the shaft 38 until the arm 32d clears pin 34, then the cam follower 39 will for every revolution of cam 65 descend into notch 65a thus moving the web 320 to' its right-hand dotted line position in FIG. 7. In such position each belt is actuated to apply its indicia to the chart. Upon return of the belts to their position illustrated in FIG. 10, dots will be printed until the recess 65a again permits the printing of an Arabic number on the belt thus producing a record like that shown on chart 29 in FIG. 1. Thus the present invention provides for the selected printing of the indicia of one belt only; the continuous printing of such indicia and occasional printing of indicia from the other belt. By solenoid or manual downward by actuation of rod 36, attached to lever 32d the assembly including arm 32b and, through the relatively rigid coupling afforded by spring 32c, the arm 37 is rotated in a clockwise direction to move and to hold the cam follower 39 in spaced relation from the cam surface 65 and more importantly to move the control web 32a to its illustrated extreme clockwise position, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 7 to prevent the printing on the chart of indicia from either of the printing belts. This feature is particularly useful when the instrument is used primarily for indicating purposes and without need of producing a record, it being understood that a linearly extending scale as shown in the above-noted patents will be provided in cooperation with the upwardly directed index 31 of FIG. 1. Finally, if the assembly including arms 32d and 32b be manually rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the arm 37 to bring the spring 320 to its left-hand notch, then the control web 32a will occupy its most-counterclockwise position as shown in the broken lines of FIGS. 1 and 7. In such a position the dots of belt 19 and the numbers of belt 20 will be continuously printed under the control of cams 23 and for the reason that the control web 320 has then been moved to a position beyond that which produces any restraint on either of the control tails 12b and 13b of the respective print arms 12 and 13.

In FIG. llA there is shown on an enlarged scale a suitable print belt 19. It may be noted that this belt has a plurality of conelike protrusions 19a mounted on the outer side of the belt and that between each type element 19a there is a square sprocket hole 19b. It has been found such belts may be molded utilizing Buna N rubber, black, type A" with sprocket holes punched therein. FIG. 11B is a side elevation of such a belt which, as indicated in FIG. 1, is looped over the drive sprocket and the idler sprocket of the print arm l2. FIGS. 1 lC-l 1E show sections of the belt on an enlarged scale.

FIG. 12A is a plan view of a belt 20 having type elements numbered 1 to 24. The remaining views l2B-l2E are similar to the corresponding views of FIG. llB-IIE. The material for and construction of the belt 20 will be the same as for the belt 19, hence further description thereof is believed unnecessary.

While a print mechanism in accordance with applicant's invention preferably employs two independently actuatable rubber type belts in order to obtain uniformly clear mark and identifying symbol impressions, a single type belt wherein the type elements include both a mark and an identifying symbol will have utility in multipoint recorders for handling a large number of inputs since by the use of a type belt one may avoid the use of a type wheel of unreasonably large diameter. The feature of independent printing means for marks and identifying symbols will also be found to have utility when print wheels are used instead of type belts. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many different forms of the invention may be constructed and that one feature of applicants invention may be usefully employed with or without another.

What is claimed is:

l. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder of the type including a measuring circuit associated with means for efiecting relative movement between a print mechanism and a chart in accordance with the value of a measured quantity and further including means sequentially to connect a plurality of condition-responsive devices to said measuring circuit; a chart; a multipoint print mechanism operating in synchronism with said means sequentially to connect said plurality of condition-responsive devices for repetitively recording on said chart upon selection of a desired printing mode measured values sensed by said condition-responsive devices, as a series of marks without any identification symbols or as a series of marks occasionally accompanied by an indentification symbol or as a series of marks each of which is accompanied by an identification symbol; said print mechanism being characterized by:

a print carriage supporting a pair of elongated parallel print arms pivoted about an axis parallel to the record-receiving area of a chart for independent movement of the outer ends thereof toward and away from the chart,

a first of said arms at an outer end thereof including an element rotatable about an axis parallel .to the pivot axis of said arm and supporting a plurality of mark-producing means,

a second of said arms at a corresponding outer end thereof including an element adjustable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of said arm and supporting a plurality of identification symbollproducing means,

drive means moving said markand symbol-producing means together to bring pairs of markand symbolproducing producing means one after another to a printing position in the region of the outer ends of said arms,

drive means tending simultaneously to move said arms to initiate a printing engagement with said chart of both said mark and symbol-producing means, and

stop means movable into and out of arm arresting relation with said second arm in a manner dependent upon the printing mode which has been selected thus to determine whether a mark which is produced on said chart upon completion of printing engagement of said mark-producing means is or is not accompanied by an identification symbol.

2. A print mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said elements rotatable in said first and second arms are type wheels.

3. A print mechanism according to claim I wherein said elements rotatable on said first and second arms are guide wheels supporting end loops of type belts.

4. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a frame which supports a chart and a pair of guide shafts for guiding a print carriage for movement relative to said chart, said print mechanism comprising:

a pair of sideplates secured in spaced relation with an elongated bearing member and a guide block therebetween forming the carriage movable along said guide shafts,

a pair of elongated print arms each supporting a guide wheel for a print belt at one end of their ends with their other ends supported for rotation about said elongated bearing,

a print belt drive wheel supported independently of said print arms for rotation about said elongated bearing member between said print arms,

a first flexibly type belt looped over one of said guide wheels and the drive wheel and having a series of outwardly projecting mark producing types uniformly spaced along the length thereof,

a second flexible type belt looped over the other of said guide wheels and the drive wheel and having a series of outwardly projecting symbol-producing means spaced along the length thereof,

means to rotate said drive wheel to move said first and second type belts in unison thereby to bring related pairs of markand symbol-producing means into a print position adjacent said chart, and

means intennittently to effect rotation of said print arms about said elongated bearing to initiate a printing engagement of said type belts in timed relation with rotation of said print belt drive wheel.

5. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having structure supporting a chart and a multipoint print mechanism having a print carriage disposed for relative movement with the cart along a plurality of coordinates, the print mechanism being characterized by:

a print carriage which supports a belt drive wheel for rotation about a fixed axis disposed parallel to a recordreceiving surface of the recorder chart,

said print carriage additionally supporting an elongated print arm near one of its ends for rotation about said axis of rotation of said belt drive wheel and having a belt guide wheel supported near the other end of said print arm for rotation about an axis disposed substantially parallel to the axis of said belt drive wheel,

a flexible print belt looped over said drive and said guide wheels,

means intermittently to move said print arm through an arcuate path about said belt drive wheel axis thus or provide for movement of said guide wheel end of said print belt toward and away from a recordreceiving area of said chart, and means simultaneously to drive said belt drive type elements one after another to a printing location a ve the chart in timed relation with movement of said print arm to effect printing on said chart by said type elements one after another.

6. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a chart comprising,

a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart,

a pair of rotatable printing means disposed in side-by-side relation, one carrying distinctive printing indicia and identifying points of measurement and the other carrying different printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative'of the magnitude of a measured input,

common drive means for said printing means,

individual supporting arms for each of said printing means independently rotatable about the axis of said common drive means, and

means for selective actuation of said supporting arms either individually to print on said chart indicia carried by one of said printing means or for concurrently printing on the chart the indicia carried by said pair of printing means.

7. In a multipoint recorder having a chart, a printing mechanism therefor comprising,

a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart,

cantilever-supporting means, having end portions spaced one from the another,

pivotal means forming a common pivotal axis guiding said carriage for its linear movement relative to said printing line and about which axis one of said end portions of said cantilever means may be rotated,

belt-driving means supported by said pivotal means for rotation about said common axis,

belt idler means supported by the other of said end portions of said cantilever means,

an endless belt carried by said belt-driving means and said belt idler means having printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative of the magnitude of a variable, and

means for rotating said cantilever-supporting means about said common axis for printing on said chart the indicia carried by said belt.

8. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a chart comprising,

a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart,

a pair of print belts, one carrying distinctive printing indicia identifying points of measurement and the other carrying different printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative of the magnitude of a measured input quantity,

common drive means for said belts,

individual supporting arms for each of said belts independently rotatable about the axis of said common drive means, and

means for selective actuation of said supporting arms either individually to print on said chart the indicia carried by one of said belts or for concurrently printing on the chart the indicia carried by said pair of belts.

9. The print mechanism of claim 8 in which said selective actuation means cooperates with control tabs integral with said supporting arms and of differing length.

10. The print mechanism of claim 9 in which said selective actuation means additionally includes a cam and cam follower, and a control web rotatable to difi'erent angular positions relative to said cam follower to engage one or both or neither of said tabs with said carriage in any position along said printing line of said chart.

11. The print mechanism of claim 10 in which said selective actuation means includes a resilient driving connection effectively between said cam follower and said control web shiftable to either of said angular positions.

P0405) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION P e No, 3,611,412 Dated October 5, 1971 Inventor) Edgar Gentle Gibby It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

601. 1, line 17, "mechanism" should read --mechanisms--.

Col. 2, line 29, "he" should read --the--.

" line L53, after "symbols or" insert --as-.

001. 3, line #4, after "wheel" insert --in the form of a gear secured to a print belt drive whee1--.

" line &6, "DRAWINGS" should read --drop-off--.

" line 66, after "shaft" insert -38-.

C01. l, line 54, "form" should read -from-.

Col. 7, line 9, "end" should read --ends.

Col. 8, line 7, "28" should read --l8.

" line 22, "FIGS. 5 nd 6" should read --Fig;s 5 and 6.

Col. 9, line 33, "pints should read --pins-.

" line 67, after "downward" eliminate "by".

IN THE CLAIMS:

Cl. 1, 001. 10, line 62, "indentification should read --identification-.

" line 75, "adjustable" should read --rotatab1e.

L col. 11, line 2, "symbollproducing" should read --symbol producing".

3,611A12 Dated October 5, 1971 Patent No.

Inuentofls) g r Gentle Gibby It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

lontinuedz Claim 2, col. 11, line 18, "in should read -on--.

Claim L, col. 11, line 36, "flexibly" should read --fleXible-.

Claim 5, col. 11, line 55, "cart" should read --chart-.

001. ll, line 69, "or" should read --to--.

Claim 7, col. 12, line 28, "anocl'xer should read --other-.

Signed and sealed this 9th day of May 1972.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER, JR. BERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Co missioner of Patents 

1. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder of the type including a measuring circuit associated with means for effecting relative movement between a print mechanism and a chart in accordance with the value of a measured quantity and further including means sequentially to connect a plurality Of conditionresponsive devices to said measuring circuit; a chart; a multipoint print mechanism operating in synchronism with said means sequentially to connect said plurality of conditionresponsive devices for repetitively recording on said chart upon selection of a desired printing mode measured values sensed by said condition-responsive devices, as a series of marks without any identification symbols or as a series of marks occasionally accompanied by an indentification symbol or as a series of marks each of which is accompanied by an identification symbol; said print mechanism being characterized by: a print carriage supporting a pair of elongated parallel print arms pivoted about an axis parallel to the record-receiving area of a chart for independent movement of the outer ends thereof toward and away from the chart, a first of said arms at an outer end thereof including an element rotatable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of said arm and supporting a plurality of mark-producing means, a second of said arms at a corresponding outer end thereof including an element adjustable about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of said arm and supporting a plurality of identification symbol-producing means, drive means moving said mark- and symbol-producing means together to bring pairs of mark- and symbol-producing producing means one after another to a printing position in the region of the outer ends of said arms, drive means tending simultaneously to move said arms to initiate a printing engagement with said chart of both said mark- and symbol-producing means, and stop means movable into and out of arm arresting relation with said second arm in a manner dependent upon the printing mode which has been selected thus to determine whether a mark which is produced on said chart upon completion of printing engagement of said mark-producing means is or is not accompanied by an identification symbol.
 2. A print mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said elements rotatable in said first and second arms are type wheels.
 3. A print mechanism according to claim 1 wherein said elements rotatable on said first and second arms are guide wheels supporting end loops of type belts.
 4. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a frame which supports a chart and a pair of guide shafts for guiding a print carriage for movement relative to said chart, said print mechanism comprising: a pair of sideplates secured in spaced relation with an elongated bearing member and a guide block therebetween forming the carriage movable along said guide shafts, a pair of elongated print arms each supporting a guide wheel for a print belt at one end of their ends with their other ends supported for rotation about said elongated bearing, a print belt drive wheel supported independently of said print arms for rotation about said elongated bearing member between said print arms, a first flexibly type belt looped over one of said guide wheels and the drive wheel and having a series of outwardly projecting mark producing types uniformly spaced along the length thereof, a second flexible type belt looped over the other of said guide wheels and the drive wheel and having a series of outwardly projecting symbol-producing means spaced along the length thereof, means to rotate said drive wheel to move said first and second type belts in unison thereby to bring related pairs of mark-and symbol-producing means into a print position adjacent said chart, and means intermittently to effect rotation of said print arms about said elongated bearing to initiate a printing engagement of said type belts in timed relation with rotation of said print belt drive wheel.
 5. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having structure supporting a chart and a multipoint print mechanism having a print carriage disposed for relative movement with the cart along a plurality of coordinates, the print mechanism being characterized by: a print caRriage which supports a belt drive wheel for rotation about a fixed axis disposed parallel to a record-receiving surface of the recorder chart, said print carriage additionally supporting an elongated print arm near one of its ends for rotation about said axis of rotation of said belt drive wheel and having a belt guide wheel supported near the other end of said print arm for rotation about an axis disposed substantially parallel to the axis of said belt drive wheel, a flexible print belt looped over said drive and said guide wheels, means intermittently to move said print arm through an arcuate path about said belt drive wheel axis thus or provide for movement of said guide wheel end of said print belt toward and away from a record-receiving area of said chart, and means simultaneously to drive said belt drive wheel thereby to move said print belt to bring different type elements one after another to a printing location above the chart in timed relation with movement of said print arm to effect printing on said chart by said type elements one after another.
 6. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a chart comprising, a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart, a pair of rotatable printing means disposed in side-by-side relation, one carrying distinctive printing indicia and identifying points of measurement and the other carrying different printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative of the magnitude of a measured input, common drive means for said printing means, individual supporting arms for each of said printing means independently rotatable about the axis of said common drive means, and means for selective actuation of said supporting arms either individually to print on said chart indicia carried by one of said printing means or for concurrently printing on the chart the indicia carried by said pair of printing means.
 7. In a multipoint recorder having a chart, a printing mechanism therefor comprising, a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart, cantilever-supporting means, having end portions spaced one from the another, pivotal means forming a common pivotal axis guiding said carriage for its linear movement relative to said printing line and about which axis one of said end portions of said cantilever means may be rotated, belt-driving means supported by said pivotal means for rotation about said common axis, belt idler means supported by the other of said end portions of said cantilever means, an endless belt carried by said belt-driving means and said belt idler means having printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative of the magnitude of a variable, and means for rotating said cantilever-supporting means about said common axis for printing on said chart the indicia carried by said belt.
 8. A print mechanism for a multipoint recorder having a chart comprising, a carriage linearly movable with respect to a printing line of said chart, a pair of print belts, one carrying distinctive printing indicia identifying points of measurement and the other carrying different printing indicia to provide marks on the chart indicative of the magnitude of a measured input quantity, common drive means for said belts, individual supporting arms for each of said belts independently rotatable about the axis of said common drive means, and means for selective actuation of said supporting arms either individually to print on said chart the indicia carried by one of said belts or for concurrently printing on the chart the indicia carried by said pair of belts.
 9. The print mechanism of claim 8 in which said selective actuation means cooperates with control tabs integral with said supporting arms and of differing length.
 10. The print mechanism of claim 9 in which said selective actuation means additionally includes a cam and cam follower, and a control web rotatable To different angular positions relative to said cam follower to engage one or both or neither of said tabs with said carriage in any position along said printing line of said chart.
 11. The print mechanism of claim 10 in which said selective actuation means includes a resilient driving connection effectively between said cam follower and said control web shiftable to either of said angular positions. 